Speaking to reporters here today, the Permatang Pauh MP said she will do her best for Penang even if she does not hold the top post.
She pointed to the party’s excellent performance in the state in the 14th general election (GE14) under the leadership of current chief Mansor Othman.
“It’s a nice speculation but I think what’s important is to do my best to support the state in the best way I can.
“It’s important for every assemblyman and MP to do their bit, because the challenges are going to be difficult considering we did not win the majority Malay support.
“Under Datuk Mansor, we increased our seats (in Penang). It was our best performance,” she said.
Mansor is defending his post as the Nibong Tebal division chief in the party elections.
However, PKR members were reportedly unhappy with his failure to “defend” the party’s interests in the DAP-led Penang government, especially in securing more government positions for the party.
Among their grouses was that Mansor was not firm in demanding more state executive council posts for PKR assemblymen.
To this, Nurul Izzah said there would always be unhappiness as no one would be able to get the support of every member but she praised Mansor for his contributions to the people.
“What’s important is constant communication with members.
“He (Mansor) has been known as one of the main drivers of our micro credit programmes, whether it’s Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia which was under (incoming PKR president) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he was previously in the government or Hijrah Selangor.
“So that’s his main forte and having someone who has been able to develop a mechanism to lend to the poor is pivotal,” she said.
“Everyone would have their strengths and talents. The best thing for Penang is for PKR to stand together in facing challenges and formulating solutions to address the people’s needs.”
Meanwhile, she was surprised when asked by the media on speculations of Sabah PKR chief Christina Liew being pressured to step down.
After being briefed by the media on the issue, she said there was bound to be rumblings in any party election.
“What is important is to ensure she can proceed with her work and also strengthen party grassroots. So it should all be taken in the spirit of a big family.
It was reported that Liew’s position as the state party chairman was being questioned after she allegedly fell out with division chiefs in Sabah.